Indian Hill Historical Society
8100 Given Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45243

"Keeping Indian Hill's past and present alive for tomorrow"

Approximately 300 fourth-grade students from Indian Hill School, St. Gertrude's and Cincinnati Country Day participate each year in the Society's "One-Room Schoolhouse Experience" at The Little Red Schoolhouse. Now entering its tenth year, the program lets these children step back in time to when the Schoolhouse was built in 1873. Learning as students did in the 19th century, the students study Village history, recite from McGuffey's Readers, try their hand at ink well penmanship, and do ciphering with chalk and slate.

A highlight of last year's program was the station that displayed numerous items used daily in 1800's homes and farms. The children excitedly quizzed each other until all were identified.

At another station, students play an old fashioned game of marbles on specially constructed boards.

The atmosphere of a one-room school is maintained; and the history lesson includes descriptions of daily school life, explanations of how teaching 100 years ago differed from today, and stories of behavior expected and discipline given. (The willow switch and whipping post were favorites!)

This is a two-week program with the children coming for the field trip via school bus for half-day sessions. The Society Historian is the "schoolmarm," and member volunteers assist her with the "stations" for the simultaneous activities around the room. Anyone wishing to help as an "assistant schoolteacher" for one day can contact the office at 891-1873.